Yes, Apple, it's time to bring back the iPod

Modern iPod concept — (Image credit: Basic Apple Guy)

The iPod is back. Sort of. Google searches for Apple's retro MP3 player hit a peak last year, with Gen Z reportedly turning to the tech in search of an antidote to digital burnout. And with iPod modding on the rise, users don't even have to make do with degraded batteries life and low storage.

But this is all nostalgia; Apple discontinued the final model, the iPod Touch, in 2022. And the last iPod Classic with the iconic scroll wheel was released way back in 2009. The iPods exchanging hands right now are all pre-loved – but take one look at the r/iPod Reddit page, and it's clear that fans would click 'Buy' on a contemporary model in a heartbeat. And now a significant voice has been added to the chorus.

iPod 5th generation — Simpler times... (Image credit: Future)

Fadell, widely known as "the father of the iPod," recently told Business Insider, "I think there are smarter ways of making an AirPod that has an iPod in it. So, I think they need to bring back the iPod." Fadell cited two reasons: to cash in on the current nostalgia for the device, and to cater to those looking for a more "pure" music experience without distractions.

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Indeed, with Gen Z's infatuation with Y2K tech rising demand for dumbphones, noughties tech is clearly having a moment. Not even I am immune; I recently bought and modded an old iPod in the hope that it would transport me back to simpler times. It did, kind of – I've loved being able to go for a walk and listen to music without my phone. And the tactility of that click wheel will never get old – touchscreen have nothing on it.

But there are a couple of modern conveniences that I must admit would make the experience perfect. USB-C charging, an OLED screen and Bluetooth functionality, enabling me use my AirPods (I just can't quit that noise cancellation) would make the iPod perfect.

An Apple iPod billboard — And Apple should bring this ad back too while it's at it (Image credit: Apple)

If Apple were to release a contemporary iPod with those updates, perhaps marketing it as some kind of anniversary edition, it would solve all of the world's problems. Okay, slight exaggeration. But it would open up the idea that you don't have to use your phone for everything to a much larger audience. The idea that it's possible to actually own your music library. That it's possible to listen to an album, not an algorithm. That it's possible to be entertained without an internet connection.

Speaking of comments by former iPod designers, Jony Ive himself has recently admitted that smartphones have given us some "not so positive effects". Smartphones and social media are arguably responsible for much of anxiety and focus issues experienced by many young people today. A brand new iPod might not bring about world peace, but it could serve as a legitimate throwback to a time before screen addiction.

The thing is, it's probably never going to happen. Apple isn't a company that likes perceived as looking backwards. It doesn't even like talking about its old products; we're more likely to see a sequel to the ill-fated Vision Pro than a new, nostalgic iPod. So, we're going to have to make do with our battery swaps and our hard drive mods for now. That said, it's Apple's 50th birthday this year, and Tim Cook has promised a celebration. Will the music live on again? I'm not holding my breath.

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Daniel John is Design Editor at Creative Bloq. He reports on the worlds of design, branding and lifestyle tech, and has covered several industry events including Milan Design Week, OFFF Barcelona and Adobe Max in Los Angeles. He has interviewed leaders and designers at brands including Apple, Microsoft and Adobe. Daniel's debut book of short stories and poems was published in 2018, and his comedy newsletter is a Substack Bestseller.

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